Skerovic: 'Cheryl Ford Is A Fighter'

05.01.2011

EuroLeague Women

Cheryl Ford is averaging 14 rebounds per game in EuroLeague Women

By Paul Nilsen

Jelena Skerovic has paid tribute to Frisco Sika Brno team-mate Cheryl Ford who has certainly proven a point so far this season in EuroLeague Women by having a big impact on her return to the competition after some well documented injury problems.

To say she has emphatically answered any question-marks hanging over her during pre-season would be an understatement, to say the least. Ford has been sensational on the glass and so good in fact, you won't find a better rebounder anywhere in Europe's elite club competition.

Having previously suited up for UMMC Ekaterinburg back in 2007, Ford has fitted seamlessly back into the tournament and has been an absolute tower of strength for the Czech side averaging a magnificent season double-double.

It's just as well Ford has come up trumps in Brno with the team struggling in a new age of austerity and having to rely on many players who are relatively inexperienced - a far cry from recent times when the roster was packed with bona-fide stars.

Skerovic of course is the only other player at Brno with any vast experience and shares the burden with Ford of being one half of a critical veteran partnership which has secured a couple of hard fought wins so far.

"I can tell you that Cheryl is as dedicated and as passionate a basketball player as you will ever see." explained her team-mate.

"She is very professional and she has a huge talent. She brings us some much needed stability in a young team as a great rebounder, and good defensive and offensive player.

"Of course she is also a very experienced player and her advice helps us a lot. She is a real fighter and she won't give up in any situation."

Of course the real praise for Ford comes when put into the context of her rehabilitation from serious injury.

"Her comeback after injury has been big and her performances have been excellent!

"We all hope she will just get better and better.

"We are very happy to have here in Brno and to have chance to play with her."

Ford has a big following on both sides of the Atlantic and after winning more hearts and minds in Europe, many people will be wondering what will happen this summer.

Primarily how she will use her experiences in EuroLeague Women to fire herself up for an anticipated WNBA return.

For now though, Ford is focusing on the task in hand and taking it day by day as Brno look to finish the group campaign with a flourish.

After all of her injury problems, none of us can begrudge her that can we?